Edublogs archive and support teacher learning by facilitating reflection, questioning by self and others, collaboration[1] and by providing contexts for engaging in higher-order thinking.
[5] In 1998, there were just a handful of sites of the type that are now identified as weblogs (so named by Jorn Barger in December 1997).
Also in 1999 weblogs changed from a mix of links, commentary, and thoughts, to short form journal entries.
[9] Some bloggers use their blogs as a learning journal or a knowledge log to gather relevant information and ideas, and communicate with other people.
[18] Teachers can often rely on these sources to communicate with one another regarding any issues in education that they may be having, including classroom management techniques and policies.
[18][19] Edublogs can be used as instructional resources, in which teachers can post tips, explanations or samples to help students learn.
Blogs increase exposure to other students from around the country or world, while improving writing and communication skills.
[20] Connecting to a teacher's blog is also a convenient way for parents to find out daily assignments so that they can monitor their children's progress and understand classroom expectations.
Blogs are digital platforms that provide students with a medium for sharing knowledge and experiences that go beyond the traditional means of reading and writing in classrooms.
[23][24][25] Student blogging is a relative newcomer to the digital writing scene, and appears to have gained ground only in the past 7–8 years.
[4][28] This may be attributable to the increase in free blog hosting services that have adjustable privacy settings, and the opening up of school internet filters to a greater range of social media.
The use of blogs in the classroom engages children in learning and using technological literacy that will help them in adulthood.
There is a general consensus that edublogs create many opportunities for collaborative learning, as well as enhance the ability to locate and reflect upon work.
[23][24][34] Other reasons for encouraging student blogging is that it enables them to form and practice proper and safe internet etiquette and demonstrate that they are able to use technology efficiently and professionally.
For example, commentators claim that student blogs often include uncorrected inaccuracies of information,[20] or can be used to instigate online bullying.
[citation needed] Commentators also complain that student blogs are difficult to archive or index.